Greenville, S.C. – Rising Concerns Over School Threats
Recently, multiple school districts in Upstate South Carolina have been grappling with a wave of school threats, echoing fears following a recent school shooting in Winder, Georgia. The situation has prompted law enforcement and school officials to respond swiftly and carefully.
Threats in Greenville County
In Greenville County, school authorities became aware of a concerning social media post regarding a potential threat at Greer High School. Following investigation, it was established that there was no credible threat. A 13-year-old student from Greer Middle School was charged for making a verbal threat of a shooting, leading to immediate action by the school resource officer.
The school district implemented the EVOLV weapons detection system on campus as a precaution, detecting no unusual activity. Parents at both Greer schools were promptly informed about the matter.
Other Districts Respond
In Anderson County, authorities reported a threat connected to T.L. Hanna High School, but law enforcement deemed it non-credible, although they increased police presence as a precaution.
Meanwhile, in Pickens County, a social media post initially thought to mention Pickens High School was found to relate to a different location entirely. Another threat regarding Gettys Middle School was also investigated and deemed not credible.
Investigation in Laurens County
Laurens County saw its own challenges, with a 12-year-old facing charges following a threat made online connected to Gray Court-Owings School. The local police emphasized the seriousness of the issue, reinforcing that such behavior will not be tolerated. Again, no weapons were found.
False Rumors in Oconee County
Oconee County schools dealt with a false rumor regarding a threat against Walhalla High School. The district communicated to students about the importance of reporting credible threats and not spreading false information, reminding everyone about the potential panic such rumors can cause.
As schools address these issues, local authorities stress the need for responsible communication, urging parents and students to verify information before sharing it. With rising concerns, the response from law enforcement aims not just to ensure safety but also to promote accountability among students.
